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COVID-19 Updates; Return to Play & FAQ #5

By Club Administrator, 06/17/20, 11:30AM EDT

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THIS FAQ ANSWERS QUESTIONS ON RETURN TO PLAY, THE OUTDOOR SEASON AND WHAT TO DO IF YOU WITNESS ORGANIZATIONS NOT FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT HEALTH ORDERS OR RETURN TO PLAY PROTOCOLS

Ontario Soccer, in consultation with Canada Soccer and governmental advisors, continues to monitor the most recent developments surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting public health crisis.

Ontario Soccer has received additional questions from the membership, since the first COVID-19 frequently asked questions (FAQ) was released on March 16, 2020, followed by the second COVID-19 FAQ on March 23, 2020, a third COVID-19 FAQ on April 3 and a fourth FAQ on May 12.  

Ontario Soccer has now prepared the following additional FAQ #5 in response to the recent Return to Play announcements.

Most of the province has now begun Return to Play – Phase 1 protocols but what is happening with the outdoor season?

Ontario Soccer, under the guidance of the Provincial Government and relevant health authorities, is committed to working through the three phases of Return to Play in 2020. The Province of Ontario has laid out timelines of two to four weeks for Stage 2 and two to four weeks for Stage 3 of their re-opening plan. Ontario Soccer will determine timelines for each Phase of its Return to Play plan in alignment with the Province of Ontario health authorities involving government orders, restrictions and guidelines. This will be communicated via future Action Bulletins when applicable.

Where do I find information about the specifics of the Return to Play protocols?

The Return to Play Guide is your go-to resource for all specific questions related to Return to Play. It has protocols, recommendations and guidelines for parents, players, coaches and match officials as well as Training and Competition Recommendations and Guidelines for Soccer Organizations. You will also find information on equipment safety, how to provide a safe and clean environment, risk management and Return to Play participant waivers.  

What steps does our Club or Academy need to take to start training our players?

Your Club or Academy must review the critical sport specific steps and directives from Ontario Soccer, which requires a documented Return to Play plan (organizations can use the Ontario Soccer Return to Play Guide as a reference), they must complete the Canada Soccer Risk Assessment Tool and the Club or Academy must adhere to municipal and provincial restrictions in order to start training.

My Club or Academy has reviewed the sport specific steps and directives from Ontario Soccer, including the reading the Return to Play Guide and preparing our own Return to Play Plans. Where do we find the Canada Soccer Online Risk Assessment tool?

The Canada Soccer Online Risk Assessment Tool has been sent directly to Club and Ontario Registered Academy Administrators. If you believe your Club or Academy Administrator has not received the Online Risk Assessment Tool, please contact Patty Forbes, Director, Administration.

How do I learn more about my Club or Academies’ responsibilities for Return to Play?

Ontario Soccer will be hosting Return to Play Zoom Webinars that will feature an Overview and a Question and Answer session.

The dates of the webinars will be:

  • Tuesday, June 23, 2020 @ 1:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, June 24, 2020 @ 7:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, June 25, 2020 @ 7:00 p.m.

A future action bulletin will distribute the registration details.

When will we be able to play games again?

Regular competitions can begin once the Province of Ontario has lifted social distancing restrictions to the point where matches can take place safely.

This would be considered Phase 3 of Ontario Soccer’s Return to Play phases. Please refer to the Return to Play Guide for more information.

Why are some of the District Associations listed as moving to the Province of Ontario “Stage 2” and the same District Associations are listed as staying in Stage 1?

It is important to note that Ontario Public Health Unit boundaries and the Ontario Soccer District Association boundaries do not align perfectly and will overlap in some cases. Please consult with your District Soccer Association or Public Health Unit to determine the status of your organization. You can find the updated list of the regions cleared to begin Return to Play on OntarioSoccer.net.

I have witnessed a Club or Academy not following Government Health Orders or Return to Play protocols. What should I do?

Please inform your District Soccer Association if you observe organizations disregarding Government Health Orders or Return to Play protocols. As Ontario Soccer membership, we are all in this together and it’s important to ensure we follow established guidelines to protect the health and safety of the participants and to ensure the province continues to progress through the Stages and Phases of re-opening. 

I would like to get a refund for my registration fees from my Club or Academy. They have directed me to contact Ontario Soccer. How do I go about getting a refund?

All refunds for registration payments are managed by Clubs and Academies. If you are seeking a refund, please contact your Club or Academy about their refund policy. Ontario Soccer does not manage the refund process. If you have ongoing concerns with your organization and their refund policy please contact your District Association for more assistance.

Source: Ontario Soccer

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